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Schools in Dean Highland, Waco

Public Schools

Dean Highland is served by Waco Independent School District (WISD). The neighborhood's elementary school bears the community's own name.

Waco ISD Schools Serving the Dean Highland Area

School Address Grades Niche Rating
Dean Highland Elementary 5100 Hillcrest Dr, Waco, TX 76708 PK–5 F (TEA 2025; 3rd consecutive F)
Tennyson Middle School 1200 N 42nd St, Waco, TX 76710 6–8 C (TEA 2025)
Waco High School 2020 N 42nd St, Waco, TX 76710 9–12 D (TEA 2025)

Note: School assignment depends on specific address. Verify your attendance zone at wacoisd.org.

Dean Highland Elementary — Ratings and Information

⚠ Critical update: The school's previously documented B rating (2022) is significantly outdated. Dean Highland Elementary has received F grades in 2023, 2024, and 2025 — three consecutive failing ratings. This places it among Waco ISD's most troubled campuses.

  • TEA Rating (2025): F — 3rd consecutive F (2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25)
  • Prior B rating: Was documented for an earlier cycle — no longer valid
  • Enrollment: Approximately 597 students (PK–5)
  • Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Demographics: 92% minority enrollment (majority Hispanic)
  • Free/Reduced Lunch: High percentage of economically disadvantaged students

Charter Performance Contract — Third Future Schools (2026)

In response to the consecutive F ratings, Waco ISD approved a charter performance contract with Third Future Schools in early 2026 for Dean Highland Elementary (along with South Waco Elementary). This move was taken specifically to avoid potential TEA state takeover of the campuses. Third Future Schools, a charter operator, will take over campus management while the schools remain part of Waco ISD.

Waco ISD District Overview

Waco ISD serves approximately 14,000 students across the city.

  • 2025 TEA District Rating: D (score: 63) — 4th consecutive D. A 5th consecutive D would trigger potential TEA state takeover.
  • 8 of 25 campuses received F grades in 2025; 6 received Ds.
  • Dean Highland Elementary is one of the 8 F-rated campuses, alongside South Waco Elementary and others.
  • Financial accountability: Waco ISD received a Superior financial rating for the 20th consecutive year (separate from academic A-F).

Sources: TEA TXschools.gov, Texas Tribune Schools Explorer, Waco Tribune-Herald, KWTX, KXXV.

Private Schools

There are no private schools within Dean Highland. Nearby private options include:

  • Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic School (PK–12) — Waco
  • Vanguard College Preparatory School (6–12) — Waco
  • Eagle Christian Academy (PK–12) — Waco

Homeschooling

Resources for homeschooling families in the Central Texas area:

  • Texas Home Educators (THE): Statewide organization providing resources and support.
  • Texas Home School Coalition (THSC): Search tool to find local homeschool groups.
  • TheHomeSchoolMom.com: Lists homeschool groups in Texas.

Sources: Waco ISD (wacoisd.org), U.S. News Education, Public School Review, Niche.com, NeighborhoodScout, TXschools.gov (TEA).